Dads Throughout History Series – Part 2
Author, Public Speaker, Doctor, Philosopher, Dad
If we’re not to judge a book by its cover, can we judge a father by his children? I’d say so. In the summer of 2016, a colleague of mine remarked how poised the Trump children were on the stage of the Republican National Convention. How they dutifully readied the crowd for their father’s eventual acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination.
“Children say everything,” my colleague said fondly. “You can’t fake that.”
I would agree with him. The president’s children have followed perfectly in their father’s footsteps. They are indeed reflections of who and what he is. Whatever the president said to his children every day has worked. I, however, don’t care to know what those exact, words, phrases, and pieces of advice were.
Now consider the children—a daughter and son—of an Indian-born author and an international leader in the mind-body movement. The daughter has grown up to be a mother, media entrepreneur, and a published author herself. Her focus, like her father’s, is that of global wellness. The son has grown up to be an author, entrepreneur, and filmmaker, partnering with his sister to carry forward their family’s mission of personal and spiritual well-being.
This sister and brother are Mallika Chopra and Gotham Chopra, daughter and son of Deepak Chopra.
Here are the Seven Spiritual Laws for Children Chopra published in his 2010 book On My Way to A Happy Life. (Source: https://www.healyourlife.com/7-spiritual-laws-for-kids)
1. Everything is possible. We all have the gift of creating absolutely anything. There’s no limit to what we can do or be.
2. If you want to get something, give it. Always give with a happy heart. The greatest gift is feeling good.
3. When you make a choice, you change the future (karma). Your choices bring about changes. To make good choices, follow your heart. How do your choices make you feel?
4. Don’t say no—go with the flow. Create peace within by learning acceptance of what is outside our control.
5. Every time you wish or want, you plant a seed. Making your wish is like planting a seed and believing that it will grow. Let nature do the rest.
6. Be open to life and enjoy the journey. New ways and new ideas can lead to more happiness.
7. You are here for a reason. Your dharma is your purpose, path, or vision, the unique talent that you are here on Earth to share. Your dharma is your happiness.
Now imagine your father imparting those words to you every day. Namaste, I say.
Photo Source: 116 Profound Deepak Chopra Quotes
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